The Northern Territory road toll now stands at 47 following the death of a female pedestrian on the Stuart Highway north of Mataranka this morning.

Police were called to the scene at 5:00am where the victim was located on the road.

The driver of the vehicle is assisting Police with their enquiries.

"The southbound lane of Stuart Highway is closed 5km north of Mataranka and traffic diversions are in place,” said Commander Bruce Porter. “Motorists are asked to please avoid the area if possible and obey all traffic directions.”

The road toll for the same time last year was 38.